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Utcubamba Akodont

Utcubamba Akodont

Peru
Status
Least Concern

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Forest, Wetland, Mountain

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
roots, leaves, forest seeds, and occasional insects

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
nocturnal and crepuscular

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Diagnosis. Akodon josemariarguedasi can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal pelage coloration uniformly Brownish Olive, strongly contrasting with Smoke Gray to whitish abdominal region; fur hairs with paler gray-based; tail dark and moderately countershaded; posterior end of nasal blunt with serrated contour; lacrimals large; zygomatic plate with the anterior margin less slanting and convex in its anteromedial area or straight; antorbital bridge moderately wide; zygomatic notch somewhat deep; palate narrow; maxillary toothrow somewhat short; mandible delicate with thin and large condylar process; and deeper lunar notch. The nasal projects distinctly behind of the premaxilla. An internal fossetus between paracone and protocone of M 1 is present. Paratypes. Three specimens collected at the type locality in September 2005: males MUSM 22749 and MUSM 22753 and female MUSM 22759; all consisting of skull and skins.
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Utcubamba Akodont is officially designated as Least Concern. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to forest, wetland, mountain, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of roots, leaves, forest seeds, and occasional insects. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a nocturnal and crepuscular activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 3 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Utcubamba Akodont.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangePeru
Habitat RangeForest, Wetland, Mountain
Lifespan3 Yrs
StatusLeast Concern
ScientificAkodon orophilus
Registry Info
Lifespan3 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilyCricetidae
Utcubamba Akodont (Akodon orophilus) - Taxon, Habitat & Photos | Symphony of Horizon | Symphony of Horizon